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13 May 1999 Edition

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Workers in struggle: Scaffolders strike in fifth week

``If we're beaten everyone is beaten.'' This was the message from Andrew McGuinness, chairperson of the Dublin Scaffolders' Society. The unofficial scaffolders' dispute is now entering its fifth week as building contractors close more and more sites.

This week, building was halted on the International Financial Services Centre in Dublin. It was the largest building site in the city. The scaffolders are determined to carry on their dispute even though they are without strike pay and the strike is costing their members dearly. Some have been threatened with eviction because they have not the money to pay rent.

Despite claims in the media that the strike is to be resolved, Andrew McGuinness told An Phoblacht that no offer has been made to them. The reported interim payment of a wage increase of 65p an hour is way below the scaffolders' demands.

As An Phoblacht goes to print, the scaffolding contractors are meeting to consider the dispute. The resolve of the strikers is for now undiminished.

An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland